US-Iran Negotiations: Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif says the US-Iran peace text is “final” and close to signing, while Iran’s Abbas Araghchi insists the “Islamabad MoU has never been closer,” with disputes still swirling over nuclear steps, frozen funds, and the Strait of Hormuz. Strait of Hormuz Flashpoints: Despite deal talk, the US says it shot down multiple Iranian one-way drones targeting commercial shipping, and Iran warns it may use military force to control the strait if needed—while Iran’s new “authority” rhetoric raises fears of renewed disruption. Lebanon Front: Israel ordered evacuations of 20 towns and villages in southern Lebanon as strikes continue, and Iran links any deal to ending Israeli hostilities and withdrawal from “Lebanese occupied territory,” keeping the Lebanon ceasefire the key test. Gulf Shipping & Energy Risk: Analysts warn that even partial escalation could turn into a broader energy, logistics, and food shock with long normalization times. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi and Qatar’s PM discussed mediation progress and hope for a near-term signature. Iraq Domestic Politics: Iraq’s Baqubah faces waste-collection breakdowns from fuel, vehicle, and staffing shortages, while an Iraqi economist steps back after a Parliament payroll dispute. Human Rights/Immigration: A US deportation flight landed in the Central African Republic carrying Iranians and others under third-country removals.